Activa Mask at Low Pressure

flynn37 · Post by **flynn37** » Tue Jun 26, 2007 9:41 am

Does anyone else use the Activa mask at a really low pressure? I am only using a 4 (although I am waiting to see the doctor about increasing it slightly) and the mask doesn't inflate at all. I wore it for a couple of hours last night, with loose straps, but it left massive deep indentations all over my face! Not the straps, the cushion itself...

I am waiting for the DME to come check it out, but you guys here know far more than they do!

Amy

DP · Post by DP » Tue Jun 26, 2007 9:49 am

It is my experience that the Activa mask really does not work well at pressure below 10 cm H2O. In fact the higher the pressure the better is works. Now thats not to say it won't work on pressures below 10, just that it seems to work better at pressures above that.

oceanpearl · Post by **oceanpearl** » Tue Jun 26, 2007 9:49 am

Sleep Doctor has suggested that I try an Activa. Apria R/T called this morning and wants me to come in for a "fitting". She indicated that it is a "huge" mask and most people wouldn't like it for that reason. I tried to educate her to the fact that all that most people want is a COMFORTABLE MASK WHICH DOESN'T LEAK! I don't think that she even heard me.

She also told me that CIGNA doesn't have any set schedule for mask replacement. She left me with the understanding that any time that I need one, all I have to do is call them.

DP · Post by DP » Tue Jun 26, 2007 10:31 am

One thing to remember about Apria is that they have a contract with Respironics so they will always try and push their stuff over any other company.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 26, 2007 10:35 am

Well, my DME just left, and contrary to what the boss said over the phone, he opened and let me try several masks and sizes. He said it was no problem, they return them to the mfg. He convinced me to try the Optilife. It is so light... I'll report back!

sleepyred · Post by **sleepyred** » Tue Jun 26, 2007 1:35 pm

I use 7-10 on an apap. Used 6 on a cpap with an activa. It workes great - either way!

Sleepyred

denise1768 · Post by **denise1768** » Tue Jun 26, 2007 1:44 pm

I've used the Activa and although I didn't have problems with the pressures, etc.. I did experience the deep indentations (especially the bridge of the nose). They were so deep, the marks didn't disappear till around noon!

Denise

sleepyWI · Post by **sleepyWI** » Tue Jun 26, 2007 5:27 pm

I have used an Activeaat a pressure of 7 and inflating the mask was still problematic. Its a great high pressure mask I think but it did not work for me. My pressure has since been bumped to 8.4 but I have not tried it again as I am happy with my CL2.

Craig-Tx · Post by **Craig-Tx** » Tue Jun 26, 2007 9:43 pm

oceanpearl wrote: She also told me that CIGNA doesn't have any set schedule for mask replacement. She left me with the understanding that any time that I need one, all I have to do is call them.

This is correct. Unfortunately however, Cigna forces you to use Apria. Just a heads up, Apria, sucks. I've been waiting for approximately 10 weeks now on a Twilight Aura NP. No one EVER returns my calls. They sent me a mask I did NOT order, and despite me asking them 4 times, they have yet to refund the amount to Cigna.

I have filed a formal complaint with Cigna about Apria. Not sure what will ever come of it. Aside from me knowing that I WILL be using a different DME by January 1st. If Cigna won't let me, I'll change insurance. Crappy HMO plan....

Sorry to everyone who read this. I needed to vent and I feel a little better now.

thanks.

Ok, disclaimer, I'm sure there are decent Apria branches out there. But the on in Irving (Dallas) isn't one of them.

As for the Activa mask, I've used it for 6 months at 7 cm H2O and now on 8 cm. Although it does seem to work better at 8, I never had a problem with 7.

-craig

Mask

Additional Comments: Aussie Heated hose for rain out/PapCap Headgear and chin strap